Grilling sweet potatoes is a fantastic way to bring out their natural sweetness while adding a smoky char that elevates their flavor. Whether you’re planning a summer barbecue or just want a tasty, healthy side dish, grilled sweet potatoes are a crowd-pleaser. If you’ve ever wondered how to cook sweet potatoes on the grill, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know-from preparation to seasoning to grilling tips.
Why Grill Sweet Potatoes?
Sweet potatoes are naturally sweet and packed with nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Grilling them caramelizes their sugars, creating a crispy, flavorful exterior while keeping the inside tender and moist. The smoky flavor from the grill adds a delicious depth that baking or roasting alone can’t match.
Preparing Sweet Potatoes for the Grill
Before you start grilling, preparation is key to ensure your sweet potatoes cook evenly and taste amazing.
Step 1: Choose Your Sweet Potatoes
Select medium-sized sweet potatoes that are firm and free from blemishes. Smaller or uniformly sized potatoes grill more evenly.
Step 2: Clean and Prep
Rinse the sweet potatoes under hot water and scrub off any dirt. You can grill them with the skin on for extra texture and nutrients, or peel them if you prefer.
Step 3: Decide How to Cook Them
There are two popular ways to grill sweet potatoes:
– Whole on the Grill: This method takes longer but yields a soft, baked-potato-like texture with crispy skin.
– Sliced or Wedges: Faster cooking and great for a smoky char and crispy edges.
How to Grill Whole Sweet Potatoes
Grilling whole sweet potatoes is simple and hands-off, perfect when you want to focus on other dishes.
- Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 350-400°F).
- Poke holes in each sweet potato with a fork to allow steam to escape.
- Wrap each potato in aluminum foil after brushing with a little olive oil and sprinkling salt if you like.
- Place the wrapped potatoes on the grill over indirect heat (not directly over flames).
- Grill for 45 to 60 minutes, flipping halfway through. The potatoes are done when a fork easily pierces through.
- Remove from the grill, unwrap, and serve with your favorite toppings like butter, herbs, or a sprinkle of brown sugar for extra sweetness.
How to Grill Sweet Potato Slices or Wedges
If you want quicker results and a bit of charred crispiness, slicing is the way to go.
- Parboil (optional but recommended): Boil whole sweet potatoes until just tender but still firm (about 5 minutes). This helps them cook evenly on the grill without burning.
- Slice the potatoes into 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick rounds or wedges.
- Toss the slices in olive oil, salt, pepper, and your choice of seasonings such as smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, or Cajun spice for a flavor boost.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F).
- Oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Place sweet potato slices directly on the grill.
- Grill for 3-7 minutes per side, until tender with nice grill marks and a slight char. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
- Remove and serve with fresh herbs or your favorite dipping sauces.
Tips for Perfect Grilled Sweet Potatoes
– Slice evenly: Uniform thickness ensures even cooking.
– Oil generously: Helps prevent sticking and promotes caramelization.
– Use indirect heat for whole potatoes: Prevents burning while cooking through.
– Parboil for sliced potatoes: Cuts down grilling time and ensures tenderness.
– Turn carefully: Use tongs to flip slices gently to keep them intact.
– Check doneness: Potatoes should be tender inside and nicely charred outside.
– Experiment with toppings: Try butter, sea salt, fresh herbs, brown sugar, or even a drizzle of honey for extra flavor.
Flavor Variations to Try
– Spicy: Add chili powder or cayenne pepper to the oil before grilling.
– Herby: Toss with rosemary, thyme, or oregano.
– Sweet and savory: Sprinkle with brown sugar and sea salt after grilling.
– Garlic lovers: Mix garlic powder or minced fresh garlic into the oil.
Serving Suggestions
Grilled sweet potatoes make a versatile side dish that pairs well with grilled meats, fish, or plant-based mains. They’re perfect for summer cookouts, weeknight dinners, or even as a hearty salad topping.
Grilling sweet potatoes is easy and rewarding, offering a deliciously sweet, smoky, and tender side dish that’s sure to impress. Whether you grill them whole or sliced, with simple seasoning or bold spices, this method brings out the best in this nutritious tuber. Fire up your grill and enjoy the sweet, smoky goodness!